We want to create a safe and welcoming outdoor space where children, families and the wider community can spend time in nature, learn together and support their wellbeing.
Our mission is to create an inclusive and accessible woodland learning environment at St Helen’s School. The woodland will support learning, wellbeing and wildlife while bringing the school and wider community together. It will give people of all ages and abilities the chance to learn, explore and enjoy nature.
Love to learn, learning to love, all different, all equal.
Our plan
The pond
Now
The pond and the area around it need work before they can be used safely for supervised learning.
Our plan
A healthy wildlife pond with a secure fence, a locked gate and a safe place for supervised pond dipping and nature study.
The pond will have suitable safety fencing around it. Access will be controlled and activities will be supervised.
The plan image shows what we hope to create. The final design will depend on safety advice, permission and funding.
The woodland shelter
Now
The woodland is already used for outdoor learning, but the temporary shelter limits how often the space can be used.
Our plan
A lasting woodland shelter with seating and a safely managed fire and cooking area.
The fire area would be used during organised sessions for simple outdoor cooking, warming food, toasting marshmallows and teaching fire safety. It would only be used with trained adult supervision, risk checks and the right safety equipment.
The plan image is an example of what a shelter could look like. It is not completed work or a final approved design.
A place for the community
We want the woodland to be useful to more than the school. Local Scouts, Beavers, Cubs, families and community groups could take part in supervised pond dipping, wildlife study, conservation, outdoor skills and nature activities. Community sessions would be planned and managed safely, including outside school hours where suitable.
Learning
Outdoor lessons, pond dipping and hands-on nature study.
Wellbeing
A calm, sheltered space to spend time outside.
Wildlife
Better habitat for frogs, insects, birds and plants.
Community
Sessions for groups and families beyond the school day.
Help fund the project
Choose an amount to pledge. You will then receive the school’s bank details and your own payment reference.
Bank details will be added by St Helen’s before donations open. You can still register a pledge and we will be in touch.
£10
Pond plants
Goes towards native pond plants and wildlife care.
£20
Safety fence
Goes towards secure fencing and controlled access.
£35
Outdoor cooking
Goes towards safe cooking tools and fire safety equipment.
£50
Woodland shelter
Goes towards seating, shelter materials and the learning area.
£100
Support the full plan
Goes towards the pond, woodland and community activities.
Your amount
Chosen amount
Give whatever suits you. Every amount goes towards the pond, woodland and community sessions.
Community voices
Tell us what this project could mean to you, your family or your group.
Share your view
This form is for adults. Children’s feedback should go through authorised school staff. Every message is checked by a member of staff before it can appear on this page.
What people have said
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